Q I have taken a liking to shallots and would like to learn how to grow them. Can you tell me when to plant them, and any problems to watch out for? Julia Simmons, Redruth, Cornwall
AIf onions are Allium cepa, then shallots are known as Allium cepa Aggregatum Group, and aggregate is exactly what they do. Plant an onion set (a tiny immature onion) and it will swell to deliver one much bigger onion. Plant a shallot set and it develops a cluster of bulbs, so from one you are likely to harvest six or seven. Shallots are generally smaller than onions, they store for longer, and they have a more delicate flavour and unctuous texture.
The easiest route to a crop is by planting sets, and you’ll find that some cultivars are available in autumn to plant from mid-November to December in milder regions, and others to go in from February-April when the soil is workable. Shallots need a long growing season, and there comes a point by midsummer when the foliage will turn yellow and growth will stop, regardless of how large the bulbs have grown.
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Denne historien er fra November 21, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters